I graduated with a Masters in Transport Planning and Engineering in 2017. Currently, I am working as a Transport Planner for Arup in Birmingham.
Leeds is one of my favourite places in the UK with so many wonderful memories. I love how diverse and lively the city is! It is a great place to enjoy your student life.
Why did you choose to study at Leeds/in the UK and how did you find your course?
After working for two years in transport, I knew I wanted to build a career in this industry. Senior colleagues recommended the Institute for Transport Studies because of its reputation for globally renowned research. The institute constitutes of academic staff well known in the transport industry.
How was the support when you first arrived and during your studies?
After applying, I started looking into the visa application. This can be quite an overwhelming process, but the International Student Office eased any worries I had and even checked over my documents for me to make sure they were correct. I used the Link to Leeds service too, which put me in contact with current Leeds students so I could ask them questions about their experiences and settling into a new country.
When I arrived in Leeds the University’s Meet and Greet service met me at the train station. They provided me with a welcome pack, helped me get a taxi to my accommodation and even provided me with a SIM card so I could call home immediately and let my family know I had arrived safely.
Before the semester starts, there’s an International Welcome Week and Freshers’ Week, both packed full of activities and events you can attend. The Institute for Transport Studies organised an induction week as well, where you could get to know your course-mates, find your way around campus and attend academic workshops and classes.
How did the university help you apply for graduate jobs and prepare for your future career?
The University Careers Centre played a crucial role in me landing a graduate role at Arup UK. During the course of applying for a job at various companies, Marc Steward, Careers Consultant for the Institute of Transport Studies at the University of Leeds (ITS), helped review my CV as well as my cover letter, advising on the pattern to be followed, words that needed to be employed to make your CV stand apart, and scoring it as a whole.
I believe that this greatly helped me to make an impression during the crucial early stages of the job application where your CV is among a hundred others being considered. During the progress of the application process, further help was received from Marc, in the form of mock interviews, and competency framework preparation.
How was student life at Leeds and what was the Indian community like? Did you feel at home?
Leeds in general is a very diverse and vibrant city. There are many Indian restaurants in the city centre. Besides, the Indian Society is very popular and active. All major festivals such as Diwali, Holi are celebrated every year. It is also an opportunity to socialise and meet other fellow Indian students. I went to Global Café a lot to meet new people and chat over drinks and biscuits. I also signed up to two societies, Bhangra Dance and Kick Boxing. The societies are a great way to socialise, so you should try and sign up for at least one.
Why would you recommend the University of Leeds to other Indian students? What would be your top tips to make the most of studying abroad?
One year at Leeds was a very enriching experience. The University does everything even before you arrive to ensure a comfortable transition. The university holds pre arrival events in different parts of India to give you the opportunity to meet fellow mates which I think is great especially when you are moving to a new country.
There are several societies and clubs in the university. It is the best time to make sure you give them a go. Also, studying in an international university like Leeds gives you the opportunity to make friends from different parts of the world! You might not realise but eventually you will learn a lot more about different cultures and have international friends!